I’ve always believed that the best recipes are those shared amongst friends and family, right? There’s something about passing down food that connects us in a special way. When I made these for my family, it reminded me of when my grandma used to make her famous apple desserts. I wanted to recreate that magic, and I’m happy to say these fritters did just the trick!
If you’re like me, you want to find a recipe that’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Well, these apple fritters check both boxes. I promise you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients you probably have at home, you can have a delightful treat ready in less than an hour.
This recipe’s really simple, and that’s what I love about it. You don’t need to be a professional chef; just someone who loves good food and good company. The best part? Watching everyone come back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!), is quite satisfying. I think you’ll love making these apple fritters as much as we love eating them.
How to Make Homemade Apple Fritters
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Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, diced
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the applesauce and milk to the dry ingredients and stir until it’s just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples, taking care not to overmix the batter.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Using a scoop or spoon, drop around ⅓ cup of the batter into the hot oil, gently flattening it as you place it in the pan.
- Cook each fritter for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until it’s a beautiful golden brown. Carefully flip the fritter and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Once cooked, transfer the apple fritters onto a rack set over a baking tray to drain off any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Dip each fritter into the glaze, then place them back on the rack. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Storing Suggestion:
Store leftover apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their crispy texture, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave.
Cooking Tips:
If you love spicier fritters, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. For a thicker glaze, simply adjust the powdered sugar-to-milk ratio. Ensuring the oil is hot enough is key to achieving crisp fritters without excessive greasiness.
Serving Suggestions:
Apple fritters pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea complements the sweet treat. Add some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’re out of applesauce, consider mashed bananas as an alternative. Almond milk can be used instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option. Whole wheat flour can substitute all-purpose flour for a healthier twist, though the texture may vary slightly.
Seasonal Variations:
During fall, try incorporating freshly picked apples from the local orchard or use pears when they’re in season. In summer, try using a mix of berries for a refreshing variation. Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg according to seasonal availability.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches a temperature of 375°F. Alternatively, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to use the batter fresh to ensure the fritters are light and fluffy. If you need to, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and mix them with the wet ingredients just before frying.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
Feel free to use any firm apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness, which balances well with the sweetness of the glaze.
How can I make the fritters gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but they will still taste delicious.
Why did my fritters turn out greasy?
This might happen if the oil temperature is too low. Make sure to maintain the oil at a steady 375°F to prevent the fritters from absorbing too much oil while frying.
How long do these fritters stay fresh?
Apple fritters taste best when fresh. However, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispy texture before serving.
Homemade Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 large apples diced
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unit Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, stirring until everything is well blended.
- Next, pour in the applesauce and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, being careful not to overmix.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet, bringing it to around 375°F.
- Scoop 1/3 cup of the fritter batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil, flattening it slightly as you place it in.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip it with tongs and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a cooling rack placed over a pan or parchment paper to catch any drippings.
- Repeat this process until all the batter is used.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until smooth.
- Dip each fritter into the glaze and return them to the cooling rack to allow the glaze to harden.
